Pool or other game frame.



T. J. MADIGAN.

POOL OR OTHER GAME FRAME.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 23, 1911. RENEWED we. 9, 1913.

Patented Mar. 3, 1914.

- Wane 0012;:

THOMAS J. MADIGAN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

POOL OR OTHER GAME FRAME.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 3, 1914..

Application filed February 23, 1911, Serial No. 610,203. Renewed August 9, 1913. Serial No. 783,983.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, THOMAS J. MADIGAN, a citizen of the United States, residing at New York city, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Pool or other Game Frames, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact specification.

This invention relates to pool or other game frames, and has particular reference to improvements in the frames used for setting up pool balls whereby after the balls are once set and accurately positioned on the table the frame can be removed without disturbing them. In the frames commonly used for this purpose consisting of a closed triangle, the balls are frequently disturbed in moving the triangle, which must be lifted vertically without disturbing any ball. Also these frames are necessarily somewhat larger than the triangle which the ballsform when in contact with each other and consequently do not always leave the balls in "perfect contact, thereby interfering with the break. 7

According to this invention, I propose to construct a frame having the sides pivoted to the base, together with latching means at the apex, which can be operated to per mit the sides to spread laterally and thereby not interfere with or disturb the balls in removal. Furthermore, I provide a setting up bar on the base of the triangle which, together with the latching means can readily be operated by one hand and thereby the balls all left in close position when the frame is removed, without any liability of disturbing them. Preferably the hinges are spring actuated so that the sides will naturally spread when the latch at the apex is released, and also the setting up bar is mounted on spring hinges so that it normally stands in vertical position.

The invention will be more fully understood in connection with the description of the accompanying drawing, wherein Figure 1 represents in plan a section of a pool table showing the operation of my improved frame; Fig. 2 is an elevation of the base thereof; Fig. 3 is a detail showing the latching means; Fig. 4 is an inside view of one of the corners; and Fig. 5 is a detail View showing the means for releasing the latch without disturbing the balls.

1 represents the base of the frame havmg pivoted thereon the setting up bar 2, as by spring hinges 3 normally holding the bar 2 1n vertical position. Secured to each end of the base. 1 as by spring hinges 4 are the side bar 5, 5, one of which carries a latch plate 6 and the other a movable latch 7 operated by a sliding pin 8 and spring 9 When the pin 8 is pulled downwardly in Fig. 3 the latch 7 is withdrawn from the slot in member 6 allowin the springs and hinges 4 to spread the si e bars 5, 5 to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1.

13 represents a triangular cloth pad or cover, which will be placed on the table adacent the rail, and on which the balls will be gathered in order to prevent wearing the cloth of the table. removed before the balls are put in play. In order to operate the latch 7 the pin 8 15 connected by a wire or cord 9 to a small bell crank lever 10, which lever is operated by a push button 11 fastened on one of the side bars5 near the base, and in such position that it can be pressed down by the palm of the hand of the operator.

In use, the frame will be closed and the latch engaged and the balls inclosed within it in the usual manner. Then the apex will be placed on the spot and the setting up bar 2 pushed inwardly to force all the balls closely up into the apex, which will of course bring them all in contact. Then to remove the frame the operator will simply press downward his hand on the button 11 thereby withdrawing the latch and allowing the side bars to spring outwardly, thus permitting the frame to be lifted without any possibility of contacting with or disturbing the balls.

It is of considerable importance in match games, for instance, that the balls on the break be in close contact, and frequently with the old forms of frames'the balls are accidentally displaced slightly in lifting the frame and thereby time lost. These objections are overcome by means of this invention and absolutely accurate positioning of the balls insured.

The improved frame herein described may be used in other games besides pool, and for various other purposes.

Various modifications in the specific details herein described may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

This cloth will be Havin thus described my invention, I

declare t at what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1-. A pool frame comprising a base, sides ivoted thereto, and releasable means for atching the sides.

2. A 001 or game frame comprising a. base, si es pivoted thereto, springs tending to throw the sides outward, and releasable means for latching the sides.

3. A pool or game frame comprising a stationary base, sides, and a movable setting up bar normally carried by the base in the same vertical plane and movable relatively to the base to force the balls against the sides.

4. A 001 or game frame comprising a base, si es pivoted thereto, latching-means for releasab y connecting the sides, and a settin up bar pivotally carried by the base.

5. 001 or game frame comprising a base, si es, a setting up bar hinged to the base, and spring means normally holding the bar in vertical position.

6. A 001 or game frame comprising a base, si es for connect ng the sides, means for throwmg the sides outward when the sides are un atched, and means adjacent the base for operating said latching means.

7. A pool or game frame comprising a stationary base and sides, and a settin up bar pivoted on the base to rest norma y in the same vertical plane and movable relatively to the base to force the balls against the sides.

8. pool or game frame comprising a stationary base and sides, and a setting up bar resiliently mounted on the base and held normally in the vertical lane thereof, and movable inwardly relative y to the base to force the balls against the sldes.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature, in presence of two witnesses.

THOMAS J. MADIGAN. Witnesses J. S. Woosrnn, G. N. KERR.

pivoted thereto, latching means 

